Actress Xyriel Manabat is back and more confident than ever. The child star that was widely loved on Momay and 100 Days To Heaven has grown up into a beautiful woman with the qualities of a future leading lady.

In this Hotspot Live, DJ Jhai Ho caught up with Xyriel on what she has been up to and her future projects now that she is back in the showbiz scene.

The young actress has been a buzz in the online space since she is actively posting on social media recently. The photo of her new piercing also trended for a while. DJ Jhai couldn’t help but wonder if Xyriel is introducing a new side of herself now that she is 18 years old. Xyriel agreed and shared that she is more confident now. She feels more “in control” and is ready to take on more responsibilities as she begins to work again.

As someone who went through an awkward or shy stage in her life given the struggle to transition from child to adult in the eyes of the public, Xyriel also imparted advice to others who can relate to her experience and want to feel more confident.

“Ang unang kailangan gawin is acceptance. Kailangan n’yo talaga i-embrace ‘yong sarili n’yo and look at your flaws as your strength. ‘Wag n’yo isipin na need n’yo i-compare ‘yong sarili n’yo sa iba kasi ‘yon talaga ‘yong dudurog sa confidence mo,” she said.

Looking forward to her blossoming career, Xyriel hopes to take on more challenging roles, including one where she would play a person with special needs. “Gusto ko bigyan ng justice ‘yong life nila. Gusto ko ipakita sa tao kung gaano sila kalakas,” she explained why it is one of her dream roles.

In terms of having a love team partner, Xyriel revealed in Magandang Buhay a few weeks ago that she thinks being paired with her former co-star and The Broken Marriage Vow actor Zaijian Jaranilla would have great chemistry. She’s also open to other actors, especially those she’s already comfortable with since her childhood acting days like Bugoy Cariño.

For Xyriel, her break from show business was a difficult decision at first, but was much-needed for her to enjoy her childhood before she became a full-fledged adult. Now that she’s back with Star Magic, she is more refreshed and psyched to take on projects.

Her dance showdown on ASAP Natin ‘To with Andrea Brillantes is just the beginning. She’s excited to be reunited with other stars she’s worked with before, like Belle Mariano, Dimples Romana, and Coney Reyes.

To make her comeback more fun, DJ Jhai did the “Jojowain o Trotropahin” game with Xyriel. She was happy to go through different Kapamilya men and judge their potential to be a “jowa” or “tropa.” However, being a former child star who has worked with several of them since she was young, she feels that she would keep most of them as her “tropa.”

Kapamilya stars Daniel Padilla and Enrique Gil are very protective older brothers to her, so she immediately answered “trotropahin.” The same goes for He’s Into Her stars Jeremiah Lisbo and Joao Constancia because although she has never met them, she could feel the same “Kuya” vibe from them.

As for Ronnie Alonte and Donny Pangilinan, Xyriel chose “trotropahin” because she’s a huge fan of the men’s respective love teams, LoiNie and DonBelle.

For Zaijian, contrary to what other might expect, he is a solid “tropa” for Xyriel. Although she had a crush on him when they were kids, Zaijian is simply a very close friend to her. The sole Kapamilya star that Xyriel would love to have as her “jowa” if given the chance is Viral Scandal star and heartthrob Joshua Garcia.

Exciting things are in store for Xyriel, but while waiting to find out, you can watch her whole Hotspot interview with DJ Jhai Ho!